So I brought a friend to church, wanting to show him around. Generally, the church is a loving place to be, with friendly members and ushering team to help us out if we need any info or to know more about God. On this occasion, a weird guy jumps at me and asked me for a hug. I was wearing a Kurta and maybe that was why he found me a little special. Being put on the spot, I avoided the advancing hugging guy and talked bad about him to my friend. Now, what would Jesus do? I know that church is like a hospital for the sick, and those in need. Usually, if you are torn, emotionally down, or spiritually lacking, then you need Jesus, right? But in this situation, I was a bad Christian. I think my actions were rough and this brother just needed a hug. When I said no, he even put his mask on and “insisted nicely”. I think people who are broken and down should get a break and showered with loving brotherhood in church. I think I could have done better, even to a stranger who needs a hug. Tell me, would you hug me if I were to ask randomly a church-goer for one?
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Royai (Twitter: uglyluhan) writes:
Love, comfort and brotherhood may be important to the sense of fellowship in church, but I think there’s always a limit when it comes to physical boundaries. Insisting on a hug seems a bit overboard even in that setting. The need for physical affection is understandable but it can’t be demanded without consent. If the person is emotionally down, there are probably other ways to help them if you don’t feel like hugging.
Shaq The Comedian (Insta: shaqthecomedian) writes:
You have every right to not want to hug! You have to explain nothing. P.S. the church dude should learn consent.
I think if you say you don’t want a hug, the other person should respect that Philip. And it doesn’t matter whether that’s in church, in the mall, etc.
Erna Mahyuni (Twitter: ernamh) writes:
No one is entitled to a hug. Some people have boundaries
Swishy Tail (Twitter: swishy_tail) writes:
Ew
Ziggy (Tiktok: ziggy) writes:
Why not … but if you are not in the mood . Don’t
U have a good heart bro.. you are SELFLESS… but ur not good with off routine activities
Oon-Ee Ng (Twitter: ngoonee) writes:
Even direct family members should ask for and receive consent for physical affection, why should church members be any different?
Jacques (Youtube: Jac Reviews Stuff) writes:
No. You don’t hug random people.
First is hygiene.
Second is that he put u on the spot and tried to violate your personal space.
This second reason alone is enough not to hug anyone.
Value yourself or others won’t either.
You did good. And points for not calling him out on the spot.
Good person, good Christian.
Ashveen Chakravarthy Sekaran (Twitter: AshveenSekaran) writes:
I have done so on many occasions. 😊
Comedian Abbey (Facebook: Abbey Thangiah) writes
Post covid.. still hugging? He is not updated..
Cheryl (Insta: sei.lou) writes:
No you don’t. You have the right to your own boundary. “No” is a full sentence that doesn’t require further explanations.
Final thoughts by Pip:
“Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.” – https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/love-your-neighbor-as-yourself-bible-meaning-of-mark-12-31.html
“Turning the other cheek” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_the_other_cheek
